With an album release drawing near, Manchester-based singer-guitarist Mike Vennart pays a visit to The Craufurd Arms this week to give a taster of the sounds to come.
Mike will be familiar to some of you for his time spent leading the superb psychedelic sorts Oceansize. But that was then.
More recently he has been ensconced with Scottish aces Biffy Clyro, as touring guitarist.
Tour over and Mike has temporarily been relieved of those duties, which means that he can concentrate on the album, The Demon Joke.
"Comedy is a kind of lifeline to everyone," he says.
"But in most good jokes there's an element of danger.
"Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, or vice versa, can be either enlightening or threatening.
"I love that sort of dichotomy between creating fun and ruining everything," Mike confesses, "So comedy is a common thread in the lyrics.
"There's a lot of humour in these songs, but also a lot of joy in being able to do whatever I want.
"There's moments of beauty but also lots of weird noises and things that are designed to irritate people.
"I'm very happy with the way it's turned out."
The album is set for release on June 22, but why wait?
See Mike live and at play on Tuesday (May 12) at the venue.
Tickets are £10 in advance.
